Writing (poetry first, but also fiction); Painting; Music; playing in the dirt in spring and summer; books, books, and more books; my family; my friends (who are like family to me); cooking, as long as I get to make it up; movies; being social--meeting people. I love my family---immediate and extended (they are all creative individuals who love to laugh, hug and kiss).
Music
Any jazz or blues. Classical, in general: Mozart, in specific. Opera. The Doors. Jimi Hendrix. Lenny Kravitz. Nickelback. REM. Natalie Merchant. The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Prince. Edie Brickell. Lisa Mitchell. Etta James. Cat Stevens. Madeline Peyroux. MuteMath. Jason Mraz. Jack Johnson. Much middle eastern ud music, such as Simon Shaheen...and Anouar Brahem ("Le Pas Du Chat Noir" is some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard). Milele (take a listen & read a bit--www.milele.com--because they do wonderful selfless things). Discover Aldo Brizzi and Reis-- David Patrone, Brian Vander Ark's solo work (you must already know The Verve Pipe),Lux Land. Check out Wipping Willow's video below! **too many others, new and old, to add now.
LOVE old movies. Casablanca, All About Eve, all Katharine Hepburn movies and Humphrey Bogart movies. Newer stuff? WALL-E; Crash; Capote; Walk the Line; Anything created by Baz, especially Moulin Rouge; Amelie; Pulp Fiction; Sin City; Garden State; Lost in Translation; Braveheart; The Secret of Roan Inish; anything by Tim Burton (Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride and Big Fish being my favorites...but then there's Edward Sissorhands too). OH! Gregiore Moulin. (Hilarious!) My favorite of all time, though, I saved to list last: Like Water for Chocolate. (Sit through the subtitles even if you haven't before---so worth it!) And I love to watch August Rush with my son who is a fantastic little innovative musician already at the age of 8.
"Black Velveteen" - Lenny Kravitz
Television
I really don't watch television anymore. I do think that Scrubs is a great show because it's written so well. I love the old Addams Family tv reruns (the ones with Carolyn Jones as Morticia).
Books
All of Tom Robbins novels---three favs of his: Jitterbug Perfume, Skinny Legs and All, and Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates. Anything by: Margaret Atwood; Kerouac; and Bukowski. Also: Anne Lamott, Capote, Achebe, Oates, Berendt, Rumi and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Just read and loved "The Glass Castle" *** Always looking for suggestions of great books! ***
Heroes
Katharine Hepburn , My Grandma Lenore, and my Great Aunt Maud... interestingly, when I think of it, these three had many similar characteristics.
About me: Sum my outlook on life and aims best with a quote from Tom Robbins in Jitterbug Perfume:
" 'Should a person possess a heart that is as light as a feather, then that person is granted immortality. The immortals? They are free to take any direction they like. Free to embark on a sea voyage, to return to your world, or to some different world.' She weighs the heart of a jolly-faced troubadour next, who looks as though he'd gladly trade his butchered heart for a pint of ale. 'Had he combined his hedonism with a pinch more wisdom, had he poured slightly less into his gullet and slightly more into his soul, he might have made it.' Erleichda~ Lighten Up!" ---- So, Lighten up! Slurp the sauces of Life~ MANGIAMO!
I'm glad you are having fun! I hope we can see you guys this summer? I see pictures and can't believe how big the kids are getting! Last time we saw you guys was at Natalie's graduation party, which will be 2 years ago this summer!
open your eyes and behold life..be here now and realize..the gift of discovery and holy surprise..the birth rebirth and the rise..closer and closer to the light..a sacred path with heart a golden way..and it is divine to see and say o everyday is my birthday.
Sounds great! Maybe can try and swing something before, just playing with flights in winter time can be trying. We seem to cancel quite a bit of flights into grand rapids. But I suppose it doesn't matter when I fly for that matter. The weather is the biggest obstical. We will try and work something out though. I think of you often. A lot of my friends can't believe either that I've known someone since I was four! It would be wonderful to see your family all grown up! Hope Scott has been doing well too! Be great to see him again! Anyway, something will work itself out! Well take care and maybe we can talk soon! Luv, Piera
Hey there, Thanks! It's good to hear from you! Yes, I'm very excited. It's being so far but it gives me something to defenitely look forward too! Hope things are well with you and your family! Miss ya lots too! Maybe in the spring time I can manage to come for a visit. Would love to see you! Take care and hope you have a great thanksgiving!
